The
Helcrani derive from the word "Helcran" [pl. "Helcrani", adj. "Helcran"] =
"Firedamned". The word is used with a double meaning:

a) Helcrani (with a capital H): A member of a
certain ethnic group of people consisting of
humans, elves and
dwarves. The Helcrani are mostly met in five
settlements on the Fores Highlands in the area called Helcrah ("Firedamn"), in
the city of Milkengrad and the rest of
Efirhall island.

b) helcrani (with a plain h): A
Centoraurian aristocrat. The
word helcrani is used to indicate nobility instead of genetic origin for the
first time in 624 b.S. right after the campaigns against
Stratania and
Erpheronia.

Appearance.
The Helcrani are rather controversial as characters. They cherish freedom,
beauty, science and honour. However, they are reacting emotionally and are
easily carried away. They are disappointed as easily as they are excited and
have a tendency to fight among each other and - especially in the past - fought
bloody civil wars. The Helcrani take every risk and sacrifice in their pursue
for glory. In general, they appear to be hospitable to strangers, loyal to their
friends and stubborn when they have something in mind, although many times they
seem to be arrogant.

You have to discern between three different races within the Helcrani populace:

The
Human Helcrani
The human Helcrani (Menegulans, Ahai,
Helerothi, Sostrian and Codomman) are of an average height of 1.70 -1.80 peds.
Because of their origin as a mixture of many people with various genetic
backgrounds it is hard to distinguish any predominant physical characteristics,
except their complexion colour that is mostly white of various shades. Generally
the Helcrani tend to have symmetric characteristics and well built bodies. They
greatly appreciate sports and respect those who excel not only in the sports
field but in any field.

The
Dwarven Helcrani
The dwarven Helcrani (Nerters) genetically
belong to the Thrumgolz clan. They
have a strong affection for craft, mining and metallurgy. They focus on
constructions, mining and industry. The dwarven
majority lives in Helcrah. They share a mutual dislike with the
elves, who are considered by the Nerters as
culprits for the sufferings of the Helcrani.

The
Elven Helcrani
The elven Helcrani (Styrani) genetically belong
to the Goltherrhim elves. Their
clan (Styran) is a factor of stability and common sense among their countrymen.
They hold great appreciation for beauty, harmony, nature and reason. The Styrani
consider themselves as the mentors of the rest of the Helcrani. The Styran
advisor of the Anactar assures that there is a method and a goal in Helcran
policy. The Styrani are many times considered arrogant by the rest of the
Helcrani and sometimes they actually are.

The Milken Brownies
Another race that is Helcrani but does not belong to any Fratra (and the first
that used this name willingly) are the
Milken Brownies. They belong
to a family, are considered part of it and they help it any way they can. The
Milken look just like
LLaoihrr,
Memnoor, and
Aohu'o Brownies. The
Milken do not have political
rights although they participate in every war - civil or not - that their family
is part of (although they do not raise arms against any other than other
Milken at such civil wars).
The Milken are generaly
accepted by every helcran race and usually symbolize unity and cooperation among
their countrymen.

Coat of Arms/Sign.
The helcran coat of arms consists of Curogane’s sword burning. The colour of the
background varies to indicate the clan (Fratra) in which the bearer belongs. The
common Coat of Arms takes the colour of the Fratra in which the helcran leader
(Anactar) belongs. The Curogane’s sword symbolizes the struggle of their first
common ruler to unite the Helcrani and his battles against the enemies of his
people. The fire symbolizes the Curse of Tacunija, which sealed their fate. Many
noblemen put also a small personal emblem of them in the Coat of Arms along with
the Sword. The right to do so was considered one of the highest privileges in
Centorauria, although the
noblemen descending from the old
Centoraurian Houses are allowed freely to use the helcran or the
Centoraurian coat of arms or
even a combination of these two (but not their personal emblem unless they are
granted this privilege).

Territory.
Altheim, the initial helcrani homeland in the foothills of the High Fores
Mountains was abandoned in 800 b.S. and ever since no Helcrani lived there. The
Helcrani sought refuge in the Fores Mountains. There they established 5
settlements, Sostra, Heleroth, Ahaiwana, Menegula and Codomma (collectively
called the villages) and they named their new homeland Helcrah ("Firedamn").

In 730 b.S.
the Helcran majority migrated to Efirhal island, which was then unpopulated and
built Milkengrad. Ever since these two
areas, Helcrah and the Efirhal, are the homeland of the Helcrani. Nevertheless,
after their assimilation with the rest of the
Centoraurians, Helcrani are met
all over Centorauria without losing however their bonds with their Fratrae
(clans) or their metropolis’ in Helcrah.

Image description:
Map of Milkengrad and the former settlements of the Helcrani. The Helcrani
initially lived in the region of Altheim, until they settled at the
northern part of the Higher Fores. Map concepted by
Curgan and drawn by Artimidor
Federkiel.

People.
The Helcrani excel in many areas. Widespread is the belief among them that they
can do everything better than everybody, if they only want. They are scientists,
traders, sailors and artists and when abroad are often distinguished. However,
what made the Helcrani famous all over the
Sarvonian continent was their proficiency in warfare. The Helcrani master
every known weapon mounted or on foot. Centuries of warfare have earned them a
reputation in fighting. Exercise and weapons training to public gymnasiums is
considered a highly respectable social activity and gyms serve as meeting places
especially for the young. Their lifestyle includes a lot of exercise and their
regular call to arms combined with an innate hardship have resulted that the
Helcrani are one of the toughest and enduring people of the
Sarvonian continent. Even the wealthiest
among them can endure endless marches, pain, hunger and thirst with remarkable
patience. Stubborn and courageous, they are proud to declare arrogantly that the
worst unit of their army may be called elite in others.

The Helcrani have also mastered the art of psychological warfare. They use a
series of means to intimidate their opponents, well known are their infamous
Drums of War.

Although the Helcrani use many enchanted items,
magic is practised scarcely among them and they hold little appreciation to
wizards in general.

Housing.
The Helcrani live in large houses, usually with two floors and many rooms. They
use mainly stone and marble to construct them. Because of the many civil wars
that ravaged throughout history Milkengrad
and Helcrah, their houses are surrounded by a tall wall. Public buildings are
easily distinguished by the lack of any fortification, because they are
considered sacred and so they are left out of any conflict. The Helcrani have a
developed sense of beauty that is reflected upon their housing. Magnificent
columns, wall paintings, fountains and statues decorate their houses, which are
usually surrounded by flourishing gardens. In general helcran houses are
considered by the rest of the world as especially comfortable and luxurious.

In special structures in the garden or more often in a series of tunnels and
underground halls in the basement live the
Milken of the family. Many
times their residence is as luxurious as their "master's". The
Milken help the family in
whatever they do for a living, or in whatever else they might need helping with
and take care of the house.

Clothing.
The Helcrani wear a blouse with short sleeves which ends in a short kilt till
over the knee. The male prefer one-coloured clothes. They also wear a belt in
their waist, where their sword and dagger hang. On their feet they wear the
Centoraurian riding boots from
soft leather. Older people wear longer clothes varying from togas to robes. In
winter they are covered with cloaks with head covers and under their kilt they
wear pants. In everyday life is very common for the Helcrani to wear leather
mail or - at special occasions - an ornamental armour.

Helcran women wear usually long dresses without sleeves. The colour, length and
style of their dresses varies according to the fashion. On their feet they wear
sandals. Helcran women are also greatly fond of jewellery and perfumes. They pay
great attention to their appearance and seldom are they not well dressed.
Nevertheless, they don't hesitate to take up men’s clothes and weapons and fight
when need occured.

Diet.
The Helcrani eat everything without any special habit or diversion from the
middle Santharian. However, for the
Helcrani, as for all Centoraurianshorse eating is a sacrilege, justified only
by the Anactar’s explicit command in cases of severe famine or siege. The
Helcrani favour especially meat, fish, olive
oil and fresh fruit. Their cuisine is tasty although not heavy.

Weapons.
The Helcrani use every known weapon, but they have a
special affection for swords.
Weapons are not only for fighting, but also a part of the helcran social
status. Swords are named and inherited from father to
son and every high born Helcrani takes at his 15th birthday his personal sword,
which reflects his character and the history of his House. Moreover, because in
Centorauria citizens are
considered only those who bear weapons and defend
their country swords symbolize political rights and
denote a citizen. The Helcrani wears his swords always,
even when he is allowed a meeting with the Anactar. In fact during his
coronation, the Anactar passes through the citizens with
sword drawn in a triumphant atmosphere, while a spokesman is heard over the
pandemonium; "…and he walked in a sea of swords and he
still stood proud".

For defence the Helcrani wear various mails. To protect their shanks they wear
metal stockings and metal bracelets in their hands. Their helmets are decorated
with crests or horns. Only the Anactar wears a plain helmet and armor, all
black, without any ornament or crest, because his presence only is enough to
strike fear in the enemies' hearts according to the helcran belief.

Occupations.
The Helcrani practise every known trade. Many of the
humans are warriors, sailors, traders and
scientists. The dwarves prefer to be smiths,
architects or sculpturers, while the elves are
scientists, artists, scholars and medics.

Government.
Helcrani governmental issues can be summarized as follows:

Government of Milkengrad

- The Anactar. The Anactar (plural Anactari)
represents the Ruler of the Helcrani in
Milkengrad. After the Helcrani gained control over
Centorauria in 637 b.S., the
Anactar became king of the whole country. When
Santharia was formed, the Anactar kept his title as governor of
Centorauria.

- The Fratric Council. Assists and advises the
anactar. The Council consists of the leaders of the seven Fratrae (Fratragetae).
The Fratric Leaders supervise - and often are - the Anactar’s ministers and have
some judicial duties too.

- The Great Assembly of Milkengrad. The Assembly is
a gathering of every man capable of bearing arms (and thus having political
rights). The Assembly is called in cases of disorder or great importance and
after a vote decisions are made. The Assembly judges over treason committed by
the king or noblemen.

Government of Helcrah

- The Council of Five. It is formed by the First of
each Council of the Elder. It rules Helcrah as an autonomous province of
Centorauria. The Council
governs Helcrah and proposes the laws to the local Assemblies.

- The Council of the Elder. The Council of Elder
has 10 members, one of them annointed First. The First of the Elder of each
settlement participates to the Council of Five. The Council is the head of the
Assembly and has local jurisdiction.

- The Gathering. Every settlement is ruled by a
Gathering of men that can bear arms similar to the Great Assembly of
Milkengrad with legislative and judicial
power.

Other forms
of authority, independent from governing issues are as follows:

The Fratrae
The Helcrani are divided in 7 clans called Fratrae (singular Fratra). Five
Fratrae are human, one
elven and one
dwarven. The human Fratrae originate from
the different settlements in the initial Helcrani homeland in the plains of
Altheim. The elven and
dwarven Fratra (Styran and Nerter) were
established after the founding of Milkengrad
and took the place of the two villages that were burned down by the
Goltherrhim. Latter on settlements
with the same names (Ahaiwana, Sostra, Codomma, Heleroth, Menegula) as the 5
surviving villages in Altheim were created in Helcrah. Every Helcrani is tied
with strong bonds with his Fratra and uses its name to determine himself (the
Helcrani avoid to use their common name because it reminds them of the Curse).
Each Fratra is ruled by a Fratric Leader (Fratrageta in their language) who
serves as the Anactar’s advisor and is in charge of the Fratric Gathering.

The Fratrae, as an institution, have had both positive and negative effects. A
series of wars among the Fratrae has sprung throughout helcran history with many
casualties. Nevertheless, many times in times of need the Fratrae were "called"
and thus every man that can bare arms was at his Fratrageta’s disposal providing
a well organized force to deal with the emergency.

The Houses
A Fratra consists of Houses i.e. a group of people deriving from a common
ancestor. The Houses are further divided in Families, but this doesn't play any
role as a form of social organization. It is something like a great family.
Every Helcrani belong to a House just like they belong to a Fratra. Each son
belongs to the House of his father and each daughter to the House of her father
and later of her husband. Every House has its leader, its Oecetor in Helcran
("Head of the House"), who ideally is the last of the firstborn sons of each
generation. The Oecetors represent the leaders of the Families that apart of the
Houses, participate in the Fratric Gathering and have the right of vote and
speech in it.

Production/Trade.
Helcrah is known for its excellent smiths and artisans. Every item that is built
from metal, stone or clay is produced and sold there. The dwarven architects are
notorious for their craft and are called all over
Santharia to provide their services.

The Efirhal is mainly a rural area. However, being near the trade route and
hosting Milkengrad,
Centorauria’s greatest harbour,
favours all forms of economic activity in the island and especially shipbuilding
and trade of various items.

Natural Resources.
Helcrah is an area rich in minerals. Iron, copper, silver and gold are the
area's main resources. These metals are further worked up and a series of goods
is produced including items of all kinds. The mountains are also rich in
livestock and wood. Famous all over the Helcrani is the market in Sostra, where
"a green goat can find both a mate and a statue of itself" as the saying goes.

The Efirhal is mainly producing olives, grain, cotton, a series of fruit and has
a significant industry including armouries, shipyards, cloth and pottery
manufactories etc. Moreover, the trade route from North to South passes right
outside the Golden Bridge that unites Efirhal with the rest of the
Sarvonian continent's boosting trade.

Holidays,
Festivals and Observances.
The Helcrani are the only humans and
dwarves that worship
Avá, but not with religious ceremonies as
they believe that they are of no use to the
Beautiful Goddess. Instead, they try to live as she would like them to.
However, there are "days of remembrance", when the Helcrani remember certain
events in the past or gather to honour a man’s deeds. The reason these days
exist is that the Helcrani believe that immortality is gained only with glory
and the welfare of the descendants. Furthermore, they believe that these days
are a good means for education and a motive for virtue. Thes celebration days
are organized by the servants of the Temple in certain dates. For example the
Fall of Mikengrad to the Red Alliance is remembered in the 31st of Rising Sun
(Dál'injèrá) the day Milkengrad actually
fell. Days of remembrance take place for Avá,
the Gods, kings and other historical events.

Important Achievements.
Following is a list of several important buildings/places of which the Helcrani
are famous for:

The Artapherana
The four trees of the elements located upon the Efirhal hill. Each of these four
trees symbolizes an element and emanates a glow of light according to its
element.

The Curonesta
The palace upon Efirhal hill. One of the most impressive works of Helcran
architecture. Hosts the Artapherana.

The White Walls
A massive series of walls and fortifications that surround
Milkengrad. They took their name because
they are covered by a white marble-like material that provides them not only
with its bright white colour but also with unforeseen hardship.

The Golden Bridge
Unites the Efirhal with the Sarvonian continent.
Spreads over hundreds of peds to unite both shores and has a total width of 30
peds. On each end the bridge is supported by columns that have the form of
Curogane and Helronn on Efirhal’s side and Thar
and Santhros on the mainland’s.

Hypheralean Square
The Square of the Singing Heavens,
Milkengrad’s largest square. It is decorated with a pleiad of statues,
fountains and gardens. On its sides is located
Avá’s temple, the Assembly building and the Hall of Honor, dedicated to the
perished in war.

The Valley of the Kings
The burial grounds of the Anactari in a valley north of
Milkengrad. Royal tombs are carved in
stone and finely decorated. Some are built upon small hills. Each Tomb is
protected by a building or is carved in stone. Usually, a tomb takes up to 250
square peds. Entrance to the valley is forbidden, unless there is a royal
funeral or some other ceremony taking place. The valley is guarded by an
orcish tribe, descendants of young
orcs spared and raised by the Helcrani, when
they captured their village.

The heir to the Goltherrhim regency, the Ag'rán Tacunija, is murdered by Kyranian rogues on the foothills of the Hèckra volcano, while travelling from the Goltherlon to the Vontron. As he dies, Tacunija curses his killers and their people always to fight among each other and to be rewarded for the crime by fire. He is quoted: "May my blood haunt you and your children, until Avá's Dream is over. No peace will ever reign you and your people and always will you fight among each other but never will you get rid of yourselves. And let fire be my witness and your reward for thy crime."

These dramatic words should become the "Curse of Fire", sealed by three sudden explosions erupting from the Hèckra. This is said to symbolize that the Curse would be fulfilled three times. Bromir, a small Kyranian boy, witnesses the whole event and relates the curse to those that would hear.

Kyranians become "Helcrani"

The massacre against the peace-loving elf Tacunija and his men triggers a series of retaliatory elven attacks against the Helcrani, who burn their villages and turn to the Eastern Fores Mountains for salvation after two of their settlements are destroyed. The Curse is fulfilled for the first time.

The dwarves, who live there, welcome the Helcrani, because they are enemies with the elves. There they build five villages: Sostra, Heleroth, Ahaiwana, Menegula and Codomma. The area was named Helcrah ("Firedamn") and they take the name Helcrani ("Firedamned").

The League's Choosing of the Helcrani

The Helcrani decide to seek refuge in a safer place but the League fails to guide them to the selected place and they resort to the High Fores for salvation where they accepted dwarves inside their society. After counceling the League decides to change the subject of the experiment, abandoning the Erpheronians, and chooses the Helcrani as the worst human tribe for the experiment. The Brownies are informed of these facts.

The two elven tribes agree to extinguish the Helcrani as a united force. The tribes begin a midnight hit-and-run offensive led by Halmaran, the Sanhorrhim Rónn with the intention of "ridding the lands between us [the Sanhorrhim and the Goltherrhim territories] of the Helcrani vermin".

The first Helcrani join the human armies as mercenaries, not only being distinguished but also acquiring valuable military experience. Most of them prefer to offer their services to Centorauria. A strong bond among the two tribes is developed in the heat of battlefield. This is the dawn of the notorious Helcrani fighting technique.

Ránn Halmaran of the Sanhorrhim and uncle of the slaughtered Tacujina initiating the curse on the Helcrani is killed by Ecomentar, the Helcrani Warlord, the boy that once witnessed the death of Tacunija.

The helcran villages join forces in their struggle against the Goltherrhim and elect Curogane leader (Anactar) of their common army.

At this time a new war technique asserts between the Helcrani and the Goltherrhim. It is called "Kroikai", the "High War", and is based in a code of honour. The High Wars are defined by the historians as respectable, pre-planned battles between the Goltherrhim and Helcrani. However, the Helcrani seem to be taking the upper hand in these wars and a peace treaty in their favour seems to be not far off... During the coming years the Helcrani participate also in a series of military operations against the Sanhorrhim.

Curogane launches a surprise attack against the Goltherlon Forest. The attack is successful at the beginning and many elves are taken prisoners, among them Anastara the Beautiful. But a small elven child manages to escape and inform Envyanath, the Goltherrhim sovereign. The human army is ambushed. However they can escape thanks to Curogane who succeeds in opening a getaway path for them.

Curogane is imprisoned for his failure and his fortune is confiscated. Envyanath, encouraged by his victory, launches a counter-offensive against Helcrah. The mountaineers are unprepared for such an attack and their defenses soon start to crumble. Curogane is released from prison and recalled to service. With a few Menegulan warriors he sets out to face the mighty opponent army. They meet the elves just outside Heleroth and immediately engage them to battle. The Helcrani manage to win the battle due to Gunold, who happens to be nearby with his Centoraurian troops. After this battle Curogane takes the title of the first Helcran king and inaugurates the series of the Menegulan kings.

Rónn Envyanath of the Goltherrhim is felled. Most believe it to be an accident, but renegade Goltherrhim forces and the Sanhorrhim army know that Nyermag Av'aelván (the "One-Eyed"), heir to the throne, planned the death. His motive seems to be the halting of the peace treaty.

Nyermag's Treason

After the death of the elven Ac'rón Envyanath's at the Goltherlon, his heir Nyermag Av'aelván originally establishes peace with the Helcrani. But when their army is in Salsair to assist the city, which is under siege, he invades Helcrah. Curogane dies in the battle defending the Helsalari passage, but he manages to delay the elves until his son, Helronn, arrives from Salsair with reinforcements. Nyermag is caught unaware and very few of his army survive. A peace treaty is finally established between the elves and the Helcrani. Helronn becomes the Helcrani Anactar taking his father's place.

32 Helcrani warriors hold off the incoming Sanhorrhim force for 9 hours. 377 elves die before the Sanhorrhim push through, losing some of their strongest warriors: Gylmelor the Brave, Mohnyer the Blonde, Pardaphar the Kind and Inbarel the Noble.

The Helsalari Siege

The siege of Helesari turns out to be a great defeat to the Goltherrhim elves. The Goltherrhim leader Nyermag perishes in the retreat when the town's army returns from a war without warning. The new Rónn Noronnoh is forced to surrender to the Helcrani.

A plague strikes Helcrah and Goltherlon and most of the humans, many dwarves and even elves follow Helronn and seek refuge in Centorauria. The Centoraurian king Arpalann gives the Helcrani permission to settle at the north of his kingdom as long as they swear allegiance to him and live as his vassals.

As the Helcrani reach the coast, the Brownies release their magic, revealing the trees and the refugees are guided by the light to its source. There they find the Artapherana and the Brownies, whom they name Milken ("small ones").

Founding of Milkengrad, the "City of Wonders"

Milkengrad is founded in Efirhal Island ("Firehill") around the hill with the same name. The name of the city derives from the Milken Brownies, who guide the Helcrani following instructions of the elven League - "Milkengrad" translates literally to "City of the Small Ones" according to the Brownies, while the humans claim that it actually means "City of Wonders". At any rate, from now on the Helcrani will share their history with the Brownies.

On top of the Efirhal lie the Artapherana, unique trees that symbolize the four elements, around which the Curonesta (the palace) is built. The Helcrani are organized in 7 fractions, called fratrae. Five of them are human and named after the villages and one for the elves (Styran) and the Dwarves (Nerterian). Milkengrad is also known by the Helcrani as "The City" in contrast with the settlements of Helcrah which are referred to as "The Villages".

Soon the city flourishes under enlightened guidance. Many monuments are built, the most famous among them the Temple of Avá, the only human temple ever dedicated to Avá the Beautiful. During the next decades an important merchant fleet is developed triggering tension with Erpheronia. Erpheronian attempts to conquer Centorauria are unsuccessful and the Helcrani are distinguished as the main Centoraurian strike force.

The Centoraurians develop an important merchant fleet triggering tensions with Erpheronia. Erpheronian attempts to conquer Centorauria are unsuccessful and the Helcrani are distinguished as the main Centoraurian strike force.

Parem, the Erpheronian king, eventually invades Centorauria, due to a dispute between shepherds for pasture rights over Midlanir, the island between Efirhal and Accam. His army is ambushed and defeated outside Cemphiria. Artahir, the Helcran Anactar, advises the Centoraurian king, Agelron the Quick, to launch an attack against Erpheronia. When Agelron refuses and proposes a honourable peace treaty, Artahir invades Erpheronia on his own.

Accam falls in 666 and in the next year Voldar is besieged. Artahir of Milkengrad dreams of becoming king of Erpheronia, conquering Centorauria and thus being the only human sovereign. However, his dreams are futile. He makes a fatal mistake. In his hurry, he overlooks Westhron and as he is besieging Voldar he is encircled by Erpheronian forces. Artahir is killed in his attempt to break the Erpheronian lines.

Nevertheless, the Helcrani under Ogygor, Artahir’s son, manage to retreat in the southwest. They are trapped in the coasts, a location where they can see the eastern shores of Efirhal. The Erpheronian Warlord, Ileor the Kind, feels mercy for the brave men who defied an empire and offers a peace treaty. According to this treaty the Helcrani would not attack Erpheronia for as long Ogygor lived and a regiment of them would be dispatched to Voldar where it would train Erpheronian cavalrymen and assist the king in his campaigns. Ogygor sees the kindness in Ileor’s heart and foretells that the Helcrani will surrender their most precious gift to the next Erpheronian who'd have a heart like Ileor’s. This Erpheronian will be Thar about a hundred years later, who isn't only given princess Curogana but also the Helcran independence.

A black wizard called Arpagar is anointed Anactar of Milkengrad after a civil war. He soon turns out to be of evil nature. He summons an army of Ashmarian warriors and spreads terror in Efirhal. The Centoraurian king abandoned his Milkengradian subjects to their fate.

A wizard appears in Milkengrad to duel Arpagar. Although he dies, his struggle gives the chance to a nobleman to kill Arpagar. His name is Tephron. Tephron, as king of Milkengrad now, declares war to Centorauria in order to revenge their betrayal. The wizard's symbol, a 19th edged star, becomes a symbol of freedom for all Helcrani.

The last Centoraurian king, Ephiagar of Salsair, is killed in the battle of Thyslan. Tephron is anointed king of Centorauria. The Helcrani are the ruling class now in Centorauria and the process of their assimilation with the Centoraurian population begins. In a few decades the word "helcrani" would mean both "person deriving from Helcrah" and also "Centoraurian aristocrat" as many Centoraurians are awarded the title of "Helcrani" as a sign of honor.

The Centoraurian king Tephron dies as he falls off his horse. His younger son, Cumrann, claimes the throne from his older brother and rightful heir, Curgan. After a civil war, which devastates a large portion of Milkengrad, Cumrann is caught prisoner and exiled for 20 years. As he leaves he takes more than two thirds of the citizens with him.

Curgan goes to Helcrah where he organizes the native and newcomer Helcrani into a semi-autonomous province of Caltheria. At the same time he urges the other Centoraurian cities to revolt. A man claiming to be Ephiagar's lost son Exomater takes over Salsair and declares himself "King of Centorauria". Curgan starts an offensive against him. However, he cannot do much as he expects his brother's attempt to take over the City.

Renevor's Alliance of the Red and Punitive Expedition against Milkengrad

Renevor, the king of Erpheronia, irritated by the Helcrani merchant fleet and his failure to conquer Centorauria a decade ago, forms an alliance with the Kyranians, the rebel Centoraurians and the Stratanians against Milkengrad. Many mercenaries from the Ashmarian lands came to offer their service to Renevor.

A huge Erpheronian army invades Efirhal Island and lays siege upon Milkengrad. Cumrann, who has led war against his own brother Curgan to gain the Milkengradian throne, is promised to be given the crown of the city if he doesn’t interfere. He agrees and sends a small regiment to assist Renevor. Curgan on the other hand fights bravely and despite his victories the city falls after 93 days of siege in the 13th day of the month of the Burning Heavens. From the 25.000 citizens a few hundred survive the terrible slaughter that follows the Fall of Milkengrad. The city is burned down. Cumrann's regiment is destroyed in their attempt to save their defenseless relatives. This is an excuse for Renevor to give the city and the rest of Centorauria to the barbarians and Lecam Turpotaker, a pirate and leader of the Stratanians. Milkengrad takes the name of Turacanth.

As he realizes the destruction, Cumrann is responsible for taking the oath never to allow that to happen again and leaves Helcrah with a few of his closest friends. No Helcrani ever sees him again.

Assassination of Renevor

Many of the Turacantian leaders and Renevor himself are assassinated and a 19-edged star is found upon their bodies.

Coronation of Sinrann to the Helcrani Anactar

A young officer who manages to survive the Fall becomes the Helcrani king. He takes the name Sinrann, "Leader of the Deceived". During his rule Helcrah gains his independence from Caltharia. Many of the Turacantian leaders and Renevor himself are assassinated and a 19-edged star is found upon their bodies.

Heleborne is the first one to introduce psychological warfare in the Sarvonian continent. This new strategy combined with his superior tactics results in the liberation of the city in the last days of the spring of 580 b.S. after 37 years of occupation.

The captured Turacanthians are enslaved until they rebuild the city, which has nothing in common with its glorious past. However, the Turacanthians are satisfied with this outcome, because no non-combatants are slaughtered and their living conditions are better than when they are free. This happens because the Turacanthian elite absorbs all the wealth for themselves and they pay a high tribute to Erpheronia.

The last Centoraurian city falls under the Helcrani army. Heleborne is crowned king of Centorauria. He is the first Anactar to rule all the Helcrani, as his kindom includes the Helcrani homeland, which from now on will be a part of Centorauria.

The ancient rivalry between the Helcrani and the Sanhorrhim is about to burst. The humans invade Vontron from the north and south. A few hours later marines land on the shores. A fierce battle follows in which the humans, despite they are inferior in the number of troops, win because of Helraisers military magnificence.

During this battle the Sanhorrhim sovereign, Iythill Goldleaf, is wounded in the face by Helraiser himself. He carries on the scar for the rest of his life. However, the elves manage to hold a small hill in the center of the forest, where many of them find salvation. A few days later the humans are forced to retreat as the elves lay siege upon Milkengrad, their capital.

The Turacanthian Last Stand

The elven general Averdil of Goltherlon sneak through the Heath of Jernais and attack Milkengrad, while the army is invading the Vontron in the south. The Helcrani warriors are outnumbered, but the Turacanthian slaves take arms and defend the city of their masters. They all die defending the Golden Bridge until the city's defenses are prepared and the population is safe behind the White Walls.

Averdil is in front of a city defended by women and children and his only worry is how to circumvent the only obstacle between him and the city, the walls, when Helraiser appears. The Centoraurian cavalry assaults the unprotected rear of the elves devastating their army. Averdil is killed with most of his army. The surviving Turacanthians are granted their freedom and the Centoraurian citizenship for their valour and are accepted as the only humans of the Nerterian fratra.

The Daran Revelations

During SW II a group of Daran Gnomes is becoming restless. In the wake of war, a group of gnomes is beginning to stir, unsatisfied by their treatment among humans, who seem to only use them for their scientific weaponry including simply explosives. This group lives with the Helcrani and in 549 b.S., when a war breaks out with the Sanhorrhim elves, more and more resentment grows among gnomes.

The Centoraurian sovereign Helraiser plans to invade the Goltherlon from the north, as the Helsalari, a passage in the High Fores, is blocked by both sides. He is on his way, north of Hèckra, when messengers from Erpheronia called him to rush as soon as possible to Astran, where the Erpheronian sovereign, Engolmar the Strongwilled, has been expecting him to discuss urgent matters. He takes a few warriors with him and heads north. Among Helraiser's company are many elves from the Styrani fratra and their leader and second in the hierarchy, Rannahir, who has been fighting along their Anactar against their race (as the Styran fratra consist of Goltherlon elves that follow Helronn after the plague of 631 b.S.).

However, this is a trap. The so-called messengers are captives who were blackmailed with the lives of their families in case they don't cooperate. Helraiser is ambushed as he passes through the Thaelon. Outnumbered and encircled he does not surrender. He fights with all he got. And as Helraiser is undefeated in close combat, he is killed with arrows. It is rumoured that it takes nine arrows to make him fall. After his death, Rannahir is offered to join the elven army with the rest of his elven companion. He refuses and they fight until the last one of his men dies defending his Anactar.

The Centoraurian sovereign Iaphethor of Milkengrad assisted by the Caltharian king engages the elven forces in a fight at the foothills of the Hèckra. Many elves are taken prisoners. Gorenham, the Caltharian sovereign demands the execution of all prisoners. Iaphethor, being fond of the elves and admiring their bravery, "the brighteyed" as he calls them, refuses and proposes that they should be taken prisoners by the Milkengradian elves. Iaphethor still hopes in an understanding of the races.

The Caltharians don't share his opinion and soon a conflict is about to break out. It is triggered when a Caltharian commander insults the leader of the elven fratra of Milkengrad. In this conflict Iaphethor is killed while trying to calm both sides. Gorenham manages to take many prisoners and throws them in the fires of the Hèckra. He shares their fate though as the volcano errupts killing thousands of men and almost all the Caltharians. The elven captives, who were saved by the Centoraurians, are released as a sign of apology. They in exchange offer an armour for the elvenfriend Iaphethor, which is the one he's still wearing in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings, west of Milkengrad, where all Helcrani and later Tharanian kings are buried.

After the naval battle for Parda the Centoraurians build a new fleet. Eleven years later Carrion comes to take revenge. His ships are loaded with Erpheronian and Kyranian troops and his objective is to escort them to the besieged Antiragon. On his way the elven fleet attacks him at the Aetryam Sea. Although the humans are outnumbered he can not abandon the transports. He strengthenes the sides of his fleet and finally manages to encircle the elves and to accomplish a glorious victory.

In the wake of several injustices done against Daran Gnomes living amongst the Helcrani, a group of gnomes led by Albingor Delebar demands that the government acknowledges these injustices and do something about them, but because of the wars being fought, nothing is done. Despite numerous proposals and rallies and even strikes where several gnomes refuse to work, the government can do nothing. This group of gnomes calls themselves Separatists, and during the first few months of its existence has hundreds of members join.

After getting no justice from the government, the Separatist Gnomes, still led by the revolutionist Albingor Delebar, leave Helcrani lands. No one knows quite where they go, but it is commonly believed that they move from village to village where Daran Gnomes can be found and rally them to join the movement.

King Ascandir of Centorauria is killed in the battle of Salazar. His sons are all killed, but with the unanimous vote of the Fratric council his daughter, Curogana, succeeds him. She is both beautiful and daring. She leads the army and fights like a man. She becomes Anactara of the Centoraurians at the age of 20. - Thar continues to serve his beloved with loyalty.

The humans achieve a victory against the Sanhorrhim sovereign Iythill Goldleaf. A part of this success is owned to an Erpheronian nobleman, who attacks the elves from the flank. His name is Thar, and he is dedicated wholeheartedly to the human cause. His virtue and wisdom impress the Centoraurian Anactara, while he is impressed by her beauty and fighting skills. The two of them fall quickly in love but they don't decide to proceed because the war is still on. However, they keep cooperating and fighting together for the next years.

As soon as the war ends, the Erpheronian nobleman Thar marries Curogana in Milkengrad and is crowned king of Centorauria. His reign is described as an age of reconstruction. Thar sells large parts of his family fortune to assist in the rebuilding of his kingdom. During his reign the seven forts, which still guard the Efirhal Island nowadays are founded. Although a foreigner, he becomes totally accepted by the untamable Centoraurians. Thar is very popular among the neighboring kingdoms as he helps them as much as he can without asking for anything in return.

After years of chaos the people of Erpheronia eventually can convince the rehabilitated countryman, Thar, to claim the throne as he is related with Karthach. With an army of Centoraurians Thar arrives in Erpheronia and after a few battles enters Voldar victorious. There he is inaugurated king of Erpheronia.

The Helcrani decide that Thar is worthy of their most precious gifts. They offered their lives, their queen now offers him their freedom, thus fulfilling Ogygor’s promise to Ileor of Erpheronia. They decide to allow Thar to keep the Centoraurian crown, despite their laws. Milkengrad is privileged in reward to be governed by the heir of the Tharanian throne. This seals the official union of the two kingdoms.

The joined kingdom is called "Tharania", because the Centoraurians don't want to feel subject to the Erpheronians with whom they have fought many times and who they liberated. The official name of this union is "United Crowns of Erpheronia and Centorauria".

Renegade dark elves of Alvang ambush dwarves of the Nerterean fratra of Milkengrad clan at the Aurora fields near Salsaír in order to capture their dead bodies for experiments with dark magic. The terrible bloodshed cumulates at the Battle of the Fores.

Battle at the Fores

At the Battle at the Fores the joint forces of the Milkengrad and Helcrah dwarves try to take revenge for an assault of the dark elves of Alvang, but are defeated in the valley between the High and the Low Fores, which should later on be called "Bone Valley" according to these incidents.

The heir to the Móch'rónn, the elf and Ac'rónn Serveran guides an enormous army to the enclave of Alvang to put an end to the Móch'rónn's dark ambitions. He commands the elven archers and is joined by the human Helcrani leader Corvas with his army and the renegade dwarf Gonthrol and hundreds of dwarves.

The assault takes place at the so-called "Witchking's Night" (as it was named later on). A traitor out of the midst of the elven army has warned Saban so that the gigantic magical trap set out on the isle destroys nearly all fighters and only few of the dark elves still residing on the isle. The Móch'rónn already has left Alvang in order to descend to the Earthen Titan at the Hèckranian volcano.

Attempts of Interference of the Elven League in the Santharian War of Succession

The League, a secret elven-based organization which believes that only under human rule a perfect society reflecting the Dream of their High Goddess Avá can be achieved, face a terrible situation. The League cannot let the dynasty of the wise king die. Staranos is considered too cruel and the kingdom would be ravaged by another great war. The League's efforts now have to focus on supporting what they see as the one Santharian leader that could live up to their ideals - Mantheros. To do that they have to manifest their existence.

Cumragane, descendant of the first human leader of the League Allengard and descendant of the Centoraurian kings, sends Hecuran, the so-called "Elven Lion", on a quest to join the elves and form an army with every warrior available. This army, a total force of about thousand men, is placed at Mantheros' disposal. Cumragane then heads to Helcrah, his homeland.

Cumragane imprisoned

Upon arriving in Milkengrad Cumragane reveals himself as descendant of the Sostrian kings and leader of the League. He urges the Helcrani to fight for Mantheros and finds many supporters there, but nobody actually joins a campaign with him, because - with the absence of a Santharian King - their loyalty belongs only to the Anactar of Milkengrad.

Cumragane recognizes Anactar Semgon’s authority and places himself at his disposal in the war against Staranos' tyranny. In the Great Hall, the building where the Fratric Assembly takes place, the two of them are confronted as to be heard by every citizen.

But claiming that Mantheros' would stand no chance against Staranos' military prowess, Anactar Semgon orders Cumragane's capture. He and his accompanying men are thrown into prison.

As the usurper's army marches north through Caltharian lands to conquer the eastern harbours, which are supporting his enemy's supply lines, the Centoraurians with their army march east to block Mantheros' retreat, while the Kyranians advance from the south. Mantheros cannot afford a battle before his Goltherrhim reinforments arrive, so he retreats southwest towards the Hèckra volcano. Outnumbered and encircled, Mantheros is in deep trouble.

Cumragane is freed and turns the Tide

While imprisoned by the Anactar, Cumragane's words still echo among the populace. He told them that the Helcrani should not to abandon their king twice, as they did with king Curgan in 617 b.S., and strong opposition forms and manifests itself in Milkengrad. Cumragane is freed from his prison after an uprising in the city.

As the army is away, every Helcrani who is left behind takes some kind of weapon and marches east. Actually this is an army of reserves and armed non-combatants, like women and youths. However, a wave of enthusiasm is spreading on their way, Cumragane takes the lead. Staranos' veil of fear is shattered.

The End of the Santharian War of Succession: The Fulfillment of Tacunija's Curse

The Helcrani choose to abandon Anactar Semgon and fight and die - if necessary - for their righteous king. As when Cumragane arrives at the battlefield the main body of the Helcran army turns to Mantheros' side and along with them the entire army group. Staranos is deprived of his whole army (except his personal guard), as nobody wants to serve him anymore. Staranos is trapped.

Along with the supporting Anactar Semgon Staranos manages to escape to the Hèckra. At that very moment the volcano that has been resting for centuries erupts and burns him with his remaining supporters. Cumragane and many of his men are burned too as they chase the tyrant in hairbreadth distance.

This ends Cumragane's life and fulfills Tacunija's Curse. From that day on a congealed lava formation landmark that resembles a person is said to represent the Helcrani hero Cumragane. With the fulfillment of the curse Helcrani from now on are redeemed from their crime. No more will they fight with each other. Now it is them who saved the day. Cumragane is honoured by his men and his nephew, who manages to escape Hèckra’s wrath, is assigned new Anactar of the city.

Official Disbandment of the League

Officially the League is disbanded after this battle, but it might still exist in another form. It is restricted to a very limited number of members, who until today look after Santharia and the wellfare of its people. Nothing is known of the current status of the League or the course of their struggle against the Pure and Coór.